Category Archives: Uncategorized

We’ve had some lovely days with an autumn ambience. The asters and sedums are flowering, rudbeckias still glowing and a few butterflies are about. Some pretty cyclamen are appearing under the trees and the “Water Lily” colchicums are beautiful. Frost will be coming soon so I’m making the most of fruit, tomatoes and beans whileContinue reading “Seasonal Treats”

The rudbeckias are as cheerful as ever and making a vibrant splash of yellow in the garden. Things are a bit in-between right now, a bit subdued until the autumn glow, so the rudbeckias are very welcome. There is much more to a garden though than flowers, fruit and vegetables. There are other things toContinue reading “Light and Shade”

All my life I have loved the colour red. My kitchen walls are painted red. So cheerful, warm and inviting. Fifty years ago I bought a set of red pans. After all that time I only have two left but they’re often used and still appreciated. One small saucepan which I use exclusively for boilingContinue reading “The Colour Red”

Over many years I’ve collected cones from places we’ve lived or visited. Not only are they lovely things but they stir many memories. We have two gigantic conifers but strangely they have very small cones. I find tiny new conifers growing around the garden wherever the cones have been spread by the wind or droppedContinue reading “Cones and Cakes”

The garden has been full of aromas this week. Woody, earthy dampness with the scents of lavender and marjoram. Huge white fungi have sprung up overnight in the bed where wildflowers grew and are now dying back. The fruit has been blowing off the trees and landing with a thud on the ground. The splitContinue reading “Woody Scents and Preserving Ginger”

Half way through August. The year is flying by. Summer is winding down and the garden is changing yet again. The flowers have performed and are now making seeds for the next generation. I’m always a little melancholy about the end of summer and yet there is still so much to look forward to. TheContinue reading “Fruity Treats and Poetry”

First of all, a big apology. On my post “Delicious Pesto and Lovely Spoons” I forgot to add garlic to my list of ingredients! I have now updated it because it’s definitely tastier with garlic. I hope it hasn’t caused any disappointment. It’s been a mixed picture to the start of the month. Gentle sunshineContinue reading “Tins and Turkey”

The thirsty garden was desperate for rain. At last it came and the plants revived. Leaves have plumped out and stems stand tall. The waterbutts are full again. The rainwater is so much better for most plants but especially acid-loving ones like rhododendrons and our blueberries. The blueberries are just beginning to ripen. When they’reContinue reading “Late Summer Colours and Precious Water”

It’s been so hot! Lovely mornings and evenings but uncomfortable at night. One night when I couldn’t sleep and the cool fresh dawn approached I wrote a little poem about it. Summer Contrasts Sultry summer nights. No rest the darkness brings, The hours stretch out till dawn When the blackbird sings. Air lies like syrupContinue reading “Sultry Nights and Summer Scents”

The garden is a bit in between now. The June show is over and I’m waiting for the later flowers like phlox and asters to brighten it up again. The roses have been lovely but are past their best except for two lovely potted ones near the house. There is usually a small flush ofContinue reading “Delicious Pesto and Lovely Spoons”